PRE-PREGNANCY NUTRITION CRUCIAL, TOO

Good nutritional practices during pregnancy are a recognized "must," but now attention has been turned to the state of health of a woman before becoming pregnant. A woman's nutritional status before conception may have a great impact on her pregnancy, according to Dr. Howard Jacobson of the University of North Carolina Institute of Nutrition.

At a recent conference on preconception health care held in New York City, Jacobson and colleagues from around the country discussed the importance of nutrition in a successful pregnancy.

Traditionally, obstetricians have recognized that a woman is very likely to be at nutritional risk if, at the beginning of pregnancy, she is an adolescent; if she has had three or more pregnancies in less than two years; or if she has had a history of poor obstetric or fetal performance. She is also at risk if she is economically unable to purchase adequate food; is a bizarre food faddist; is a heavy smoker, recreational drug user or alcoholic; and/or is less than 90 percent or greater than 120 percent of standard weight for her height.

Now, doctors recognize that common American lifestyle choices may also affect the nutritional status of many women. For example, there have been significant changes in the way women eat today. In a recent study, 32 percent of the women who submitted to questions about their eating habits failed to meet the recommended dietary allowance for total calories. This lower calorie intake increases the likelihood of inadequate intake of the necessary vitamins and minerals for pregnancy, such as folic acid, iron, calcium and zinc.

In addition, large numbers of reproductive-age women are on weight- reduction diets and are likely to be nutritionally at risk entering a pregnancy.

Smoking, alcohol use, hard- and soft-drug use, as well as the use of oral contraceptives can all interact with nutrients and affect a woman's health status.

Food is the essential ingredient for the support, growth and development of healthy mothers and babies. It's important for a prospective mother to become concerned with her nutritional well-being before conception because good nutrition may play a role in the prevention of toxemia, prematurity, congenital malformation and other complications of pregnancy.

Jacobson and his colleagues suggest that preconception health care begins with a medical consultation before a woman becomes pregnant. The consultation should include an evaluation of her nutritional status and current eating habits. This ounce of precaution can lead to a healthier pregnancy for both mother and child.

During pregnancy the fetus will draw the calcium it needs from the mother's supply. It is a good idea to include calcium-rich foods to enable both mother and child to thrive during pregnancy. Dairy products supply the greatest amount of calcium, followed by dark green leafy vegetables. Here are some high-calcium recipes that are easy to prepare.

BLENDER BANANA EGG NOG

1very ripe banana, cut into chunks

1egg

1cup cold skim milk

1/2teaspoon vanilla extract

Dash of nutmeg

Place all ingredients in an electric blender and blend until smooth. Serve at once. Makes 1 large serving.

Rinse cooked lasagna noodles to prevent sticking. Combine ricotta cheese, egg and spinach. Combine tomato sauce and oregano. Spoon a third of the sauce over the bottom of an 8-by-12-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles side by side over the sauce. Spread half the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles. Top with another layer of noodles. Spoon a thin layer of sauce over noodles. Spread remaining ricotta cheese mixture over all. Top with final layer of noodles. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 40 minutes, or until top is browned and cheese is melted. Makes 6 servings.